Leptospirosis in Dogs
Written by Dr Esmaré van der Walt, EberVet Pet Clinic Strand
We love our pets wholeheartedly and many of us will do everything in our power to ensure that they live their best life. Unfortunately, a non-planned visit to the vet does occur when we least expect it. We aim to help you avoid this by educating you on some of the dangers out there for your furry friends. This time we will be discussing Leptospirosis.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium, is highly contagious and can cause severe damage to the kidneys and liver of affected animals. The bacterium is excreted in the urine and gets into water or soil where it can survive for weeks or months.
Infection occurs when the bacterium enters the skin or mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth, especially if the skin is broken due to a cut or scratch. Infection is also possible from drinking contaminated water.
The disease is a zoonosis which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It causes flu-like symptoms as well as kidney and liver damage.
Risk of being exposed to Leptospirosis includes:
- Swimming in or drinking contaminated water from streams, dams or
Puddles - Exposure to wildlife or farm animals
- Contact with infected animals or their urine
Leptospirosis is Spreading
The disease was once mostly seen in rural areas, but it is becoming more common in urban and suburban areas as well. Dogs who play in or near mud or puddles are at high risk for Leptospirosis. This becomes more important in the Western Cape during the winter rainfall where standing water becomes more common.
Symptoms
Symptoms are relatively easy to pick up on. If any are noted, please bring your pet to us immediately for treatment. Symptoms include:
- lethargy
- increased thirst
- reduced appetite
- fever
- vomiting
- jaundice
- dark yellow to orange urine
- and joint or muscle pain.
Treatment with antibiotics is very effective if the disease is picked up early. If liver or kidney damage has already occurred treatment is more intensive with hospitalisation, fluid therapy and supportive treatment. Depending on the extent of damage to the liver and kidneys, support might be life long and if not treated the disease will be fatal.
Prevention:
The best way to avoid your dog being exposed to this bacterium is to have them regularly vaccinated and to make sure their vaccinations are always kept up to date. A healthy dog lives their best life, always.
It is also important to keep your dog away from wildlife and discourage them from playing in puddles or streams. When going on a walk, take fresh drinking water along for your dog to drink.
Because the disease is becoming more prevalent in our area we have decided to include leptospirosis in our routine vaccines for dogs.
Photo by Lisá Yakurím: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-dog-drinking-water-17793997/
